Best Halloween Celebrations in the South

Let the festivities begin! We’ve put together a list of some of the most exciting Halloween celebrations around the region. From kid-friendly to cuisine-driven, choose your favorite type of Halloween entertainment.

New Orleans, LouisianaVoodoo Music + Arts Experience (October 28-30) This tourist hot spot, known for its incredible food, culture, and social scene, might just be your next Halloween destination. Voodoo Fest is a giant celebration that packs music, art, and good eats into this Halloween weekend. Talented local chefs bring their unique and indigenous flavors to the mix for all to taste, while savvy artists decorate the grounds with their unique creations. All the while, music is engulfing and inspiring the masses. This year marks the 18th celebration, and is stacked with headliners including Tool, Arcade Fire, and The Weekend. Performances from G-Eazy, Band Of Horses, The Chainsmokers, Cage the Elephant, and Kevin Gates are among many more on this year’s band lineup that will appear on one of the four stages. This is the time to admire the creative, while getting in touch with the soul of New Orleans. DJ Mustard, Excision, and STS9 are among several that will heighten the energy as the party transitions from day to night. This attraction is friendly to all ages; in fact, kids get in free with a ticketed adult. For the full list of attractions and to purchase tickets visitwww.voodoofestival.com/tickets.

Louisville, KentuckyLouisville Halloween Parade & Festival (October 8 12-8PM) – The biggest Halloween parade in Louisville is a huge hit for families. This free event brings hundreds together to celebrate the season. The parade marches down Baxter Ave, directly between Bardstown Road and Hepburn Avenue. As a new addition this year, you can enjoy the Street Festival, featuring arts and crafts tents, live music, delicious food and so much more! Ghosts, goblins, and zombies will haunt the streets during the parade, while people dressed in their disguises fill the streets.

Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights

Orlando, FloridaUniversal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 26 (select nights September 16 – October 31) Don’t let the carefree amusement park scenario fool you. In the fall, once the sun sinks beneath the horizon, the real adventure begins. Universal Studios transforms into a walking horror film, safe for those over age 13. Between the haunted houses, scare zones, and theatrical performances, you’re guaranteed to scream as you make your way through the park. With new additions this year, the mazes and haunted houses will be inspired by Texas Chain Saw Massacre, The Walking Dead, Halloween II, and for the first time ever, The Exorcist. Make sure to purchase your express pass so you can be first in line for the spine-chilling attractions. For more information on ticket pricing, visithttp://www.halloweenhorrornights.com/orlando/tickets.html.

Wilmington, North CarolinaBatty Battleship’s Halloween Bash (October 25 5:30-8:00 p.m.) All aboard! This family-friendly, trick-or-treating event is complete with all fun and no scares. Join Batty Battleship, brother Buggy, and all their friends for an evening aboard the USS North Carolina Battleship. Across the river from downtown Wilmington, you’ll find the Battleship loaded with fun for the whole family. Get ready to meet our favorite animals at the petting zoo, bounce until you drop in the bounce house, and devour delicious sweet treats with your friends and family. In addition, there will be fun games, storytelling, and even henna tattoos! Be sure to wear your best costume, too! Admission is $5 per person. Kids under 2 years old are free!

Atlanta, GeorgiaLittle 5 Points Halloween Festival and Parade (October 15) Tucked in Atlanta’s arts and music district, the Little 5 Points Halloween Festival and Parade attracts more than 35,000 people to paint the town orange and black. Between the delicious food and drink, live music and entertainment, and one of the best Halloween parades in the region, this attraction is remarkable and a must-attend. The parade will start at Austin and Euclid Avenues, and end at Freedom Parkway. Little 5 Points is proud of its history of becoming one of the most alternative areas of Atlanta, and this is evident during the celebration. Starting at 4 pm, guests will begin observing zombies, monsters, and more as they march through the streets of Little Five Points.